Sunday Snippet: Blushing Brawler

January 21, 2018

Well… this has been a crazy week. My daughter had a break on Monday for MLK Jr. Day and hasn't been back to school since. Four snow days in a row. We're supposed to have a warmer weekend so hopefully they'll be back to school this week. She's going stir-crazy and keeps mumbling about the district cancelling school for the rest of the year. LOL

Not a bad week in television. MY SHOWS ARE BACK!! The Flash put Barry on trial and, holy crap, he's not in a good place. I'd like to say I cared more about everything happening but I just can't give two craps about the stupid body swap, uber smart big bad here. Eh… at least we're getting some good character development on other fronts.

Gotta say if you're not watching Black Lightning, find it and watch! What a kickass premiere! I'm excited about this show. I'm still holding out hope we eventually get a Vixen scripted drama sometime in the future.

Arrow still ranks as my top DC universe show. Even though James is similar to the uber smart Flash villain scenario, I like how he's got a team of junior villains backing him. I'm holding out hope this one has a satisfactory ending.

Riverdale. Oh, show. Where the hell are you going? I'm kind of thrilled I have no freaking clue what out of left field thing will happen next. Part of the joy in watching this show is the absolutely crazy dark alleys it decides to go down. That said, pitting Archie against Hiram is either the best thing ever or the stupidest move an FBI agent will ever make. Just saying.

Got started on The Punisher and, honestly, it ranks right up there with Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil. Iron Fist is still the weakest link in this group, but I have faith Danny won't be the most annoying super hero ever in his second season. Maybe.

Murdoch Mysteries had a great episode last week. I know nothing about cricket but it made an interesting murder backdrop. Also, it's so awesome William and Julia are possibly going to start their family. Fingers crossed that actually happens.

Frankie Drake provided a terrific case this week and also had excellent guest stars. So awesome to see George Crabtree around and doing quite well for himself. Also, Laurence Fox can guest star again whenever he wants. I'm totally down with that idea.

Finished the second season of Chicago Fire and, wow, what an ending. Got the third season ready to start today. Definitely glad I don't have to wait through a hiatus to find out what happened to everyone.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Blushing Brawler, a novella that has the main characters discovering the difference between big city life and a rural upbringing can make getting to know each other very interesting.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yardley Holmes grew up in the fighting circuit, coaching and training alongside her dad. She likes nothing more than having a new brawler to use as a target. When Cale Scarsdale, a green recruit from Ruralsville, walks into the cage, Yardley goes after him with biting sarcasm and razor sharp innuendo to test his mettle. Cale takes it all in stride until she goes one step too far and Yardley remembers lesson number one from her dad—watch out for the quiet ones.

And a preview snippet…

Cale put the image of his assessor out of his mind. A gorgeous woman would decide his fate? Not a wrinkle he'd expected when he looked up Benjamin Holmes. The little sprite sprang from Benjamin's loins? Cale had a hard time picturing the towering monster of a man mating with a pixie descendant, but, yeah, coming from Ruralsville, he didn't have a lock on big city ways.

Ben quirked a brow. "You ready? Yardley's not known for patience." His gaze slid toward his daughter.

Cale resisted the urge to glance in her direction and went into a fighting stance. "Ready." He needed to pass this first hurdle and get a spot on Ninth Street's roster.

Ben gave nod. "Begin."

Cale shuffled, careful to avoid the standard pitfalls of a physical bout. He circled Holmes and got a bead on the way the trainer moved. When the first swing connected with Ben's chin, Yardley let out a sound of shocked surprise. After a series of combination maneuvers, Ben flashed a wide grin.

Holmes countered the next series. "You've got chops, kid. I like your style." Benjamin took off the metaphorical gloves and put Cale through his paces.

When the bell rang, Holmes held out his hand. "Nice job. I rarely get to dive into the intermediate stuff with new recruits." After Cale clasped palms, Holmes gave Yardley a sideways glance. "What's the verdict, Yard?"

Cale finally directed his full attention on the owner's daughter. She had her head tilted to one side, her brunette locks streaked with honey-colored highlights. She studied him with narrowed eyes and the scrutiny irritated Cale. He'd proven his worth, hadn't he?

Yardley straightened and offered a shrug. "He'll do." She got up and sauntered into the office, grabbing her workout bag on the way.

Cale met Benjamin's gaze. "Does that mean I'm in?" Not like she made it crystal clear.

Benjamin barked out a laugh. "It does indeed. Yardley's not known for glowing praise. You'll get used to it." He moved to the ropes and held them up for Cale to exit the ring. "She'll get the paperwork ready and you can sign the contract after you're settled. Let's get you a locker and find a room for you to stay in while you're training." Ben nudged Cale out of the gym and back toward the private residential area.

Cale followed, tamping down the urge to shout out a victory cry. He'd only cleared the first hurdle. Instinct suggested he'd be matching wits with Yardley Holmes on a regular basis.

Oddly, he kind of looked forward to winning her over.

Yardley and Cale are a treat to write. Can't wait to finish this one up and launch it.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Blushing Brawler

Okay, I forgot to mention Strike Back last week. I seriously want the female antagonist to die a slow, painful death. It can happen anytime now. LOL

The Dread Doctors on Teen Wolf are creeping me out. Something tells me Peter is going to be involved, which is actually quite okay with me. He makes a good villain.

Defiance had a great episode. I really love the smaller personal beats paired with the big, somewhat sweeping arcs this season. Great stuff. Killjoys is heating up, too. Can't wait to see next week's episode. And Dark Matter did the impossible by adding a layer of emotional nuance to Three. I'm surprised and thrilled. LOL

The Last Ship took a turn I totally didn't expect and I love it. I enjoy how the new characters are being worked in without taking a lot away from the established ones. And, seriously, Tex rules. Just saying.

Tonight's post is from Blushing Brawler, a sexy short where my heroine learns a valuable lesson. LOL

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yardley Holmes grew up in the fighting circuit, coaching and training alongside her dad. She likes nothing more than having a new brawler to use as a target. When Cale Scarsdale, a green recruit from Ruralsville, walks into the cage, Yardley goes after him with biting sarcasm and razor sharp innuendo to test his mettle. Cale takes it all in stride until she goes one step too far and Yardley remembers lesson number one from her dad: watch out for the quiet ones.

And a preview snippet…

Yardley Holmes strode into the Ninth Street Gym and Emporium and tossed her workout bag behind the counter. "Who's the new green recruit that pulled me in on my day off?" Jumping up on the stool, she quirked an eyebrow in her dad's direction.

Benjamin shot his daughter a stern glare. "You didn't have plans, so quit bitching." He nodded toward the cage in the middle of the training area. "Cale Scarsdale walked in here this morning, fresh off the bus from Ruralsville." Ben crossed his arms over his chest. "Haven't seen raw talent like his in over a decade."

Yardley glanced toward the sparring ring, getting a good, long look at the newest rookie sensation. Not quite six feet tall, he had the build of a solid fighter. Broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist, which sat atop powerful thighs. Her pulse kicked up a notch and she frowned. A physical reaction to her dad's fighters rarely happened. Usually their magic drew her in. She loved watching the new recruits gain control of their power. The fact she'd had a big zing to the guy's looks didn't set well at all. Of course, the size of Cale's arms rather shocked her. She wondered how his biceps got so huge.

Probably from tossing haystacks or whatever farm fresh innocents did to pass their time in the country.

Yardley rolled her eyes. "Dad, you know the backwater newbs never last long, especially when they learn they have to pass the peak physical test before they gain entrance to the emporium." Most of the dudes who rolled in off the big bus only wanted to blow shit up and learn how to make things fly, levitate, or transport to a new location.

Ben didn't disagree. "I know, Yard. But this one's different." He started toward the cage, but looked back over his shoulder. "You mark my words, little one."

She hated being called small. Just because she had pixie blood flowing through her veins didn't make her tiny. In fact, her five-foot-five frame put her right in the middle of average for human standards. Her pixie relatives considered her a giant.

Her dad entered the cage and Cale stopped warming up. He bowed to Benjamin and shook his hand. Her dad spoke quietly for a moment, then Cale raised his chin and met Yardley's gaze. He inclined his head in a brief nod of greeting then focused back on Ben.

A shiver of something slid down Yardley's spine. She didn't like feeling off kilter one little bit and Cale Scarsdale knocked her sideways.

She'd have to do something about her balance issues or risk acting like a total fool.

Yardley is going to overcompensate and Cale will take advantage in a big way.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Blushing Brawler

March 24, 2013

Hello!

Watching the weather radar on my computer and tracking the nasty weather we're supposed to get. I'm thinking Mother Nature didn't get the memo that spring started what? A few days ago? LOL

Anyway…tonight's post is from The Blushing Brawler, another manuscript still in its planning stages. As mentioned over on Skylin's blog, sometimes scenes just won't leave me alone until I write them. LOL

Here's the tagline:

Yardley Holmes grew up in the fighting circuit, coaching and training alongside her dad. She likes nothing more than having a new brawler to use as a target. When Cale Scarsdale, a green recruit from Ruralsville, walks into the cage, Yardley goes after him with biting sarcasm and razor sharp innuendo to test his mettle. Cale takes it all in stride until she goes one step too far and Yardley remembers lesson number one from her dad: watch out for the quiet ones.

And here's the preview snippet…

Someday, she'd push him a little too far.

Yardley called out. "God, you're weak. And honestly, so lame. Why didn't you crack the wall like the rest?"

He didn't lack strength. He didn't add a crack to the concrete barrier because he didn't choose to do so. Not because he couldn't. Any asshole with a little power behind his fist could split a solid object.

Yardley wouldn't let it rest. "Everyone knows it's a tradition. Oh wait. You're from Bum Fuck Ruralsville. You probably aren't up on big city trends."

He'd had just about enough of her nonstop praise singing about the city. And her constant bullshit harping about where he grew up. He figured it high time to school Ms Yardley Holmes in how not to push things too far.

Cale stopped and turned around. Slowly and with great purpose. Yardley had her mouth open to say more, but wisely snapped it shut when she caught the look on his face.

Her eyes narrowed then widened when he dropped his duffel bag and silently stalked toward her with measured steps. Good. She should be afraid of what he'd do next.

Reaching out with one hand, he grabbed her loosely by the throat and with very focused and controlled precision, shoved her against the wall. She sucked in a harsh breath and swallowed convulsively. A tremor of fear ticked along her jawline.

Again. Good.

Getting up in her face, he laid down the law. "You need to understand something, Yardley." His fingers flexed, but didn't squeeze. "I'm not weak. I could crush your throat with this hand, but you'll notice I'm barely putting pressure on you. Do you have any idea how much control that takes?"

She nodded, a barely perceptible movement.

He leaned in, nuzzling her face, inhaling deeply. "Do not ever mistake a quiet man for a weak one."

She sucked in another breath and her stomach contracted when a shudder rippled through her. His head lifted and he met her gaze. Her eyes darkened and her arousal couldn't be mistaken.

Good. Cale had her exactly where he wanted her. Now he could play the game her way.

Leaning back in, his lips ghosted along her cheek, stopping just below her ear. "Think twice before you tease and tempt again, Yardley." His mouth skimmed back and hovered over hers. "And be very, very certain of what you want." His lips barely brushed over hers. "Because you won't always get your way."

He loosened his grip, letting her gently get her feet back under her. She tilted her head sideways, considering his words. The silence stretched out and he grew uncomfortable, unused to absolutely nothing coming from her mouth.

He stepped back. "What? No witty backslap? I find it hard to believe you've got nothing to say."

Yardley huffed out a breath and shuddered again. "You just made me so hot, my brain won't function. All I can think about getting naked and having sex." She grabbed his shirt and hauled him close. "Like right now." Her mouth claimed his with an almost vicious intensity. "Tell me you want this, too. If you just got me hot and bothered to prove a point, I may have to kill you."

Cale wouldn't fight what she did to his senses, or his body. He grabbed her ass and lifted her, smiling when she wrapped her legs around his waist, grinding against his erection. He honestly couldn't wait to be buried to hilt inside her.

But not here. "Yardley, I wouldn't dream of leaving you hanging. This, whatever it is between us, is going to happen. But do you really wanna have sex in a training room? Not that I'm against public displays, but honestly? I don't really wanna share with anyone else at the moment."

She made a low, growling sound in her throat. "Dammit." She flicked her wrist toward the door on the far wall behind him then followed up the direction of the second exit. "There. No interruptions."

He blinked, a little stunned. "Did you just use magic to lock us in here?"

Her hips bucked, the sensation hot against his hard length.

She nodded, emphatically. "Damn right I did." She wriggled out of his grasp, sliding down to her knees. "I don't play by the rules, remember?" Her hands tugged his shorts down and his cock sprang free. "Got a problem with that?" Her fingers wrapped around his girth, squeezing seductively.

Cale blew out a hard breath. "Um, no. No I don't."

Cale's not stupid. He's wanted Yardley from the day they met…one of the few things I do know about this story. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye